Train Day

Enjoying a cabin on an Amtrak train

Erik has been obsessed with trains since he was a toddler. I assumed this was a passing phase, but he really could care less about dinosaurs, sports that don't involve water, or most superheros. Trains, however, are eternal. Today we decided to take Metra into Chicago for National Train Day. We've taken any number of train rides at parks and train museums and a few shorter suburb-to-suburb Metra rides. This was the first excursion all the way into the city. Since the kids had been up a bit late last night as Daddy finished up Erik's bed, they weren't on their best behavior this morning, and I was hesitant to subject other train riders to their antics. I also thought, maybe a long, boring train ride would put an end to the train love. Not so. If anything, a greater love of train was kindled today. For Anna, it was a long ride and the ridiculous noise level in Union Station's great hall was a bit overwhelming, but she did fine for her two-year old self. She really enjoyed touring the Amtrak train. All those reclining seats and cozy cabins! For Erik, the whole day was a hit. Erik smiles all the time, but often it's a mischievous, I'm-up-to-something" smile. Today's smile was a non-stop, all's-well-with-the-world smile. We started at the end of the line and missed the express, so the ride in was well over an hour. For Erik, that was time to relish being in the train, going past other trains, passing crossings with flashing signals, crossing switcher tracks, identifying train cars and generally enjoying the sites. Since I don't ride the train more than a few times each year, it's a fun treat. To watch Erik enjoy it, though, it was the most fun I've had in quite awhile.

Coloring train cookies with food-safe markers
(in a color choice of black or red, Erik's favorite color)  

 

On the way home: A very happy rail fan 

At the station, there were all sorts of train-related activities. Of course, the kids liked the model train lay out. There was a K-9 police dog that briefly caught their attention. Walking through real train cars was slow going but fun. There were kids' crafts, including cookies to decorate with food-safe markers. (Must find for next birthday party!!!) But the ride home was even better than the stuff on display, especially since Erik and Dad spent the last leg of the journey watching from the upper deck. (Anna was fast asleep.) At home, the goodie bag extended the day's fun as Erik poured over an activity book, a poster and a 3-D paper train engine. (As always, Anna just wants to play with whatever Erik has.) The only thing about the day that had me completely confused was the small maracas that were handed out to the kids. Better than those train whistles, though! It was a good day.

A girl can only take so much fun!